More and more women are starting careers in biomedical and medical engineering. This article focuses on the life of a Biomedical Engineer student in Ghana. Victoria Mends is an undergraduate biomedical engineering student at Academic City University College in Ghana. She is a presidential scholarship recipient.

This is the life of a Biomedical Engineering student

Background

Have you always liked fixing things? And helping people?

Growing up, I have always admired and enjoyed helping people. I take great pride in contributing to the advancement of others’ lives and making a genuine impact in my community and every environment I find myself in. I am deeply committed to being valuable and making a positive difference at all times.

Who are some famous engineers or scientists that you admire?

I truly admire Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana. She has been my inspiration for many years. So, I aspire to contribute to the Ghanaian STEM community as significantly as she has.
Another engineer I greatly admire is Ing. Lucy Agyepong, the first Ghanaian engineer to be appointed to the African Asian Pacific Engineering Council in 2021. She is currently the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City University. She stands as a beacon of hope for STEM and practical education in Ghana. Additionally, Dr. Thomas Mensah, a Ghanaian inventor and Marie Curie are scientists I hold in high regard.

Why study biomedical engineering

Why would you suggest studying biomedical engineering to other young people?

I would recommend studying biomedical engineering to young people because it offers a rewarding career that challenges you intellectually. As well, it allows you to make significant contributions to improving healthcare and saving lives. This interdisciplinary field merges the principles of engineering with the complexities of biology and medicine, providing the unique opportunity to directly impact human health and well-being by developing innovative medical devices, diagnostics, and treatment methods. Moreover, it cultivates problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity, all of which are essential in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape.

If someone is at school now. What could they do to start to prepare for studying biomedical engineering at university or college?

I urge students who are passionate about studying biomedical engineering at university or college to study smart and excel in their STEM subjects and achieve the grades necessary for entry into biomedical engineering programmes. Stay curious, keep up with the latest trends in the field, and actively seek out knowledge through research and reading. Connecting with professionals in biomedical engineering also offers invaluable insights and mentorship. Basically, maintain a love for learning and remain adaptable to stay ready for the dynamic advancements in this field.

Career choice

Why in your opinion is it a good career?

In my opinion, biomedical engineering is an incredibly fulfilling career path for several reasons. It offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives by developing technologies that improve healthcare outcomes. The field’s interdisciplinary nature—integrating engineering with biology and medicine—fuels constant innovation and problem-solving, keeping the work both challenging and rewarding. Biomedical engineers as we know are at the forefront of the game, tackling global health challenges and revolutionising medical treatments. With diverse career paths spanning research, industry, academia, and healthcare, biomedical engineering provides a dynamic and purposeful journey for anyone passionate about making a difference in the world.

Women in engineering

The number of women engineers is growing. If a girl at school is considering studying engineering, but has concerns, what would you say to reassure her?

I would definitely reassure her by emphasising that engineering is a dynamic field where principles and technologies are continually updated. This aspect keeps engineers on their toes, constantly learning and adapting to new advancements. By embracing this environment, she will not only learn extensively but also remain competitive in the job market, which is so key. Engineering education instils valuable problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of technology that can be applied across various industries. This ensures her job prospects are robust. This is because she can leverage her knowledge and skills effectively in any career path she chooses. Engineering also offers a path where continuous learning is not only encouraged but essential, empowering her to make a significant impact and thrive in her future endeavours.

You worked as a STEM instructor for Academy Achievers for 2 years. What did your work involve and how did you reach out to women?

I worked as a programming tutor at Academy Achievers. In this role, I taught young women programming in basic Python and kids Scratch and Scratch Jr programming. I also led initiatives to recruit more women into BeMe Ghana and conducted robotics training sessions. As part of BeMe Digital Inclusion, a STEM project under Academy Achievers, I focused on enhancing technology skills and empowering women to pursue careers in STEM. Activities included organising seminars, robotics training, computer programming sessions, virtual camps, and other initiatives aimed at maximising women’s opportunities to explore and excel in technology.

Robotics

When did your interest in robotics start?

My interest in robotics began when I entered university. I was inspired by my lectures discussing robotics during class sessions, impressed by the amazing projects my senior students were working on, and also motivated by tech professionals who visited my school to share their insights and experiences.

How does robotics overlap with biomedical engineering?

Robotics and biomedical engineering intersect in various crucial ways, particularly in the development of assistive devices like prosthetics and exoskeletons, enhancing mobility and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. In surgical applications, robotic systems enable minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and reduced recovery times, while in rehabilitation, robotics supports personalised therapy and monitors patient progress. These technologies also advance diagnostic imaging, biomechanics, and tissue engineering, collectively driving innovation in healthcare to improve treatment outcomes and patient care.

Internships in the life of a biomedical engineering student

You have had internships as a Quality Control Chemist and a Quality Assurance Engineer. What did each job involve? What are the key skills you learnt? (hard and soft)

As a Quality Control Chemist intern at Kinapharma Company Limited, I played a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products by adhering to stringent standards such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). My responsibilities included conducting laboratory experiments and tests on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products to verify compliance with industry regulations. I collaborated closely with senior chemists to maintain accurate records and documentation of test results and ensured thorough quality assurance. This role equipped me with hands-on experience using advanced instruments like the UV spectrophotometer, polarimeter, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), enhancing my skills in analytical chemistry. Beyond technical expertise, I developed key soft skills such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, adaptability, and teamwork, which were essential in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Firefly IO

You are the Cofounder and COO of Firefly IO. Where did the idea come from?

The idea for Firefly IO originated when I met the founder at a tech event organised by my school. We connected over our shared passions and interests in technology, and as we began collaborating, our synergy became evident. Recognising my contributions and capabilities, the founder invited me to work more closely, eventually co-founding Firefly IO together. This opportunity has been incredibly enriching for me, allowing me to learn and grow significantly while contributing to the development of our shared vision.

What exactly does the organisation do, and how do you see it developing?

Firefly IO operates in Ghana with a mission to challenge traditional education norms by empowering young individuals with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) knowledge. Our goal is to equip them with essential skills, hope, and potential to transform their communities and the world while increasing opportunities for careers in revolutionary technology. We achieve this by providing avenues for students to explore and apply STEM concepts through hands-on experiences like building and programming robots. Looking ahead, i envision Firefly IO expanding its impact by reaching more students across Ghana, fostering greater innovations, and preparing the next generation of Ghanaian technology leaders.

Typical week in the life of a biomedical engineering student

Can you describe your typical week at the moment and how you balance your time between your internship running Firefly IO and studying?

As a college student, my typical week involves attending lectures and engaging in academic coursework. Alongside my studies, I dedicate time to running Firefly IO, where I oversee various aspects of our operations. This includes planning and organising STEM workshops, coordinating with our fellow co-founders and employees, and collaborating with community partners to advance our mission. Balancing these responsibilities requires careful time management and prioritisation. I allocate specific blocks of time each week for academic commitments; while also ensuring I have dedicated hours to contribute effectively to Firefly IO’s initiatives. This approach allows me to maintain a balanced schedule, making progress both academically and in our efforts to empower young learners through technology education.

How do you balance working and studying with time for family and friends?

Balancing work, studies, and personal life, including time for family and friends, is very important for me. I prioritise effective time management and planning to ensure I can fulfil my responsibilities. While also maintaining relationships and personal well-being. I allocate specific times for studying and attending lectures, ensuring I stay focused and productive during academic hours. Similarly, I dedicate focused periods to managing Firefly IO’s activities, coordinating tasks efficiently with my team. To maintain a healthy balance, I reserve some evenings for family gatherings, social outings with friends, and personal relaxation. This structured approach allows me to excel academically, drive Firefly IO’s mission forward, and enjoy meaningful connections with loved ones.

Your future life after being a biomedical engineering student

What are you goals and ambitions for your future career?

My goals and ambitions for my future career are centred around integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Biomedical Engineering (BME). I aspire to leverage AI technologies to advance medical research and healthcare solutions, focusing on innovative approaches to tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. By combining computational tools with biological systems, I aim to contribute to the development of personalised medicine, biomaterials, and bioinformatics applications that can revolutionise healthcare delivery. I also envision myself playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology and medicine to improve patient outcomes and advance scientific knowledge in regenerative medicine.

Would you consider working in another country? And why?

I prefer to go abroad to learn, acquire skills, be exposed to technological advancements, new environments, and challenges. This experience will enrich my knowledge and perspective. This will then allow me to bring valuable insights and expertise back to my homeland, Ghana. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact in my home country by applying the skills and experiences gained abroad to contribute to its development and advancement, particularly in the fields of AI, BME, and regenerative medicine.

The future of Biomedical Engineering in Africa

What are your hopes for the future of biomedical engineering in Africa?

My hope is that Africa embraces the new era of technologies and thrives with them. Embracing advancements in technology, including AI, biotechnology, and digital health solutions, holds tremendous potential to uplift our healthcare systems, spur economic growth, and empower so many communities across the continent

I hope to see increased investment in research and development, collaborative partnerships across sectors. As well, I hope to see the integration of advanced technologies like AI and digital health solutions. Ultimately, I aspire for biomedical engineering in Africa to significantly enhance healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and empower communities by leveraging innovative solutions that address unique challenges and contribute to global health advancements.

Meet Victoria Mends, author of life of a Biomedical Engineering student

My name is Victoria Mends. I am an undergraduate biomedical engineering student at Academic City University College in Ghana, where I am also a presidential scholarship recipient. I am deeply committed to both my academic goals and making a positive impact in my community. Alongside my studies, I volunteer and work with various organisations and departments. I currently serve as a QA engineer for Build Sci Tech, a student-led startup founded by Ransford Oppong. I am passionate about mentoring junior students, providing academic assistance, and taking on leadership roles. Despite my busy schedule, I prioritise maintaining academic excellence and attribute my abilities to my faith in God.

Victoria has the following awards and recognitions:

Most Outstanding Engineering Student-Dean of Engineering Award, 2023

Presidential Scholarship Recipient, 2022

Overall Best Female Student, Ghana Science Olympiad, 2020

Public Speaker, Google Developer Group-Devfest Accra

Celebrated as a Rising Star by StudentPreneurs, Ghana

Finalist, Falling Walls Lab Idea Pitch,2024

Winner, ACity Tech EXpo,2023

Spotlighted by her school, to share her academic journey, the communal activities and all that she does.

Further reading

Life and work as a Biomedical Engineer in Ghana

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